Archbishop

Being an Archbishop means you are part of the hierarchy of the Church of the Sacred Flame, which revolves around worship of Yeshua, sometimes called Hephaestus, sometimes called Baldur, and sometimes called Jarillo because in this timeline all three got mashed up with Christianity. Most absorbed religions are explained as having "prophets", "archangels," "saints," or an avatar of Yeshua involved, or a combo of these. Being part of the Council of Archbishops for the Church means you get to make big decisions that affect everyone in the world, be it outlawing a certain cult or declaring new saints. More often than not, lords and kings like to give the role of Archbishop to their third or fourth son, thereby giving the monarchy some power within the church. The parallel position is the Archabbess, who is female and holds a very similar position, but is usually older, from the previous generation, and might even not be royal.

Career

Qualifications

Be connected to the royal family in some way, shape or form - doesn't have to be a legitimate heir, and in fact it's probably better if he isn't. Study in seminary for four years - instead of the eight required for your average reverend - and study business as well. On rare occasions, an archbishop (usually an initial one for a region) might be chosen by a jury of their soon-to-be peers.

Payment & Reimbursement

In general, there is a portion of the royal treasury allotted for the archbishop, allowing him to have choice meats, jewels for official court presentations, fancy vestments, etc. They double as treasurers for the state's domestic matters (as opposed to trade) so that plays into their favor as to how much they can spend.

Other Benefits

You get the position for life. If you're particularly religiously inclined, it's great. If you never wanted to marry, fantastic. You typically can't be "fired" or killed without there being a lot of shame involved and possibly put on the fast track to sainthood.

Perception

Purpose

To maintain a place for the state in religious affairs, and to maintain a place for religion in state affairs. Also, someone needs to do the budget, and it might as well be a trained guy that also the king is related to.

Social Status

Pretty high.

History

The first Archbishops reigned in Cairo, Rema, Athens, Carthage, future Gaylmitsa, Ityopia, and the equivalent of Constantinople. Originally there was a rule of decision-making being confirmed by simple majority but soon changed to a 2/3 majority in the following centuries. Kachatar and Gutonia were next. Eire followed but soon had a sort of sect going on because they could get them to worship a male god but not to let go of the god's female aspect (Brigid) or the idea of the Fates (the Morrigan). The Archbishops have disagreed on multiple occasions and started wars, mind you: one archbishop might want to invade Al-Andalus while a different one vetoes it, and they can't agree not to invade so they go to war. In Karanya, where most of the main cast of characters are from, the archbishopric started with two - the one in Dangun and the one in Wawel who was phoning in from Waskacia, so to speak - before combining them into one. The Great Continental Shift led to more leniency comparitively speaking - one could worship former gods as saints, one could keep having festivals formerly dedicated to the pagans - but also witchcraft was highly regulated, usually funneling all training to the convents and the Archabbess and Archdeaconesses themselves. Rites of passage also had to have a church authority present in order to be declared valid. The larger empires/kingdoms have archdeacons under them - advisors to the king and archbishop who have proven their loyalty, usually. There is always a female companion, an Archabbess with archdeaconesses under her. A village might have its own deacon and deaconess. Scribes often accompany them.

Alternative Names

Bishop, Lord of State and Religious Affairs

Type

Religious

Demand

both a luxury and a staple?